Sealing device for vacuum extractor

ABSTRACT

A sealing device for a vacuum extractor is provided for extracting moisture from a moving web passing adjacent the extractor. The vacuum extractor includes an elongated tube having a slot disposed therein for extracting the moisture therethrough, with the length of the tube being adjustable to accommodate different widths of a web to be treated by the adjustable longitudinal movement in the slot of an elongated, flexible, elastomeric rope-like substance which sealingly engages the edges of that portion of the slot not engaging a web to be treated.

[limited States Patent [191 Cecere [54] SEALHNG DEVICE FOR VACUUM EXTRACTCR [75] Inventor: Andrew P. Cecere, Valley Stream,

[73] Assignee: Samcoe Holding Corporation,

' Woodside, NY.

[22] Filed: Dec. 9, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 206,257

[52] 11.8. C1. ..15/307, 34/120, 34/242 [51] lint. C1. ..A47l 5/38 [58] Field of Search ..34/13, 15, 92,110-120,

I [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,759,804 5/1930 Pieron ..15/307 2,001,417 5/1935 Gessner ..15/307 280,564 7/1883 Bratton HIS/307 [451 May 29,1973

2,164,174 6/1939 Gerard et a1. ..15/307 2,098,044 11/1937 Hunter et a1. .15/307 2,718,712 9/1955 Bruker et al ..15/307 Primary ExaminerKenneth W. Sprague Assistant Examiner-James C. Yeung Atr0rneyl-lubert T. Mandeville, Fritz L. Schweitzer. Jr. Michael A. Cornman and Robert P. Gunde [57] ABSTRACT 9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures FROM VACUUM SOURCE 1 SEALING DEVKCE FOR VACUUM EXTRACTOR Generally, this invention relates to apparatus for extracting moisture from a moving web. More particularly, this invention relates to a sealing device for such apparatus, which sealing device is adjustable for accommodating different widths of a web to be treated while simultaneously sealing that portion of the device not immediately adjacent a web to be treated.

As well known, in the treatment of webs of paper, fabric, and the like, it is necessary to treat the web with moisture containing substances for a variety of reasons and in a variety of sequences. Subsequent to such treatment, it becomes necessary to dry the web for further use and/or handling. However, in the usual moisture impregnation of such webs by such procedures as spraying or dipping in a continuous manner, an excess of moisture is usually imparted. Thus, in order to make subsequent drying procedures effective, particularly on a production line, it is necessary to remove the excess moisture prior to such drying procedures. This invention is specifically directed to apparatus for removing this excess moisture applied to such webs.

Generally, when extracting moisture from a continu ously moving web, vacuum extraction is the most usually applied procedure. Thus, the moving web of moisture impregnated material is moved along immediately adjacent an opening to which a vacuum has been applied for the extraction of the moisture from the web by suction of the moisture through such an opening. However, in order to make the extraction effective, particularly with respect to a moving web continuously moving across such an opening, it is important that the opening be of a size to accommodate solely the exact width of the web moving across such an opening, because, otherwise, loss of suction power takes place. Thus, the opening must be adjustable in order to accommodate different widths of a moisture impregnated web because, as is obvious, different widths of the fabric or paper web might be utilized in such procedures.

Many devices have been developed in the past for accommodating this adjustment of the longitudinal opening through which the moisture is extracted. For example, complicated sensing apparatus has been utilized for sensing the width of the moving web and automatically moving an arrangement back and forth in order to accommodate different widths of the web. However, such devices have proved inappropriate in some instances simply because they have been difficult to service and are subject to failure particularly in the moisture environment involved herein. Furthermore, certain other devices have been proposed in the past which utilize metallic slides of different configurations for accommodating different widths of a moving web. Again, these devices are subject to failure because metallic slides of this nature are subject to oxidation in the moisture environment involved. Also, such devices are expensive to fabricate, unstable and in some instances require specialized knowledge to operate.

By Contrast, the applicant herein has discovered an extremely simple arrangement of sealing device for accommodating different widths of a web moving adjacent a vacuum extractor slot which simultaneously serves to move into a sealing engagement with that portion of the vacuum extractor slot not immediately adjacent a particular web being treated. Furthermore, the arrangement herein is extremely inexpensive to construct and is almost totally impervious to malfunction as a result of the oxidation and/or corrosive moisture environment involved in apparatus of the type discussed herein.

The applicant achieves this by the utilization of a pair of elongated, flexible, elastomeric rope-like materials which are inserted into each end of the longitudinally extending vacuum extractor slot. In addition, two pairs of pulleys are utilized with one of each at each end of the vacuum extractor which serve to accommodate each one of a pair of rope-like materials for moving them along the slot as desired for lengthening or shortening the effective width of the slot of the vacuum extractor. Connected to one of each pair of the pulleys is a knob which can be turned manually by the operator for moving the elastomeric substances back and forth in the slot for adjusting the effective opening thereof.

The flexible, elastomeric material has sufficient flexibility for, under the action of the vacuum in the extractor, moving against the edges of the slot passage for providing effective sealing engagement therewith so that only the open portion of the slot is effective for moisture extraction of the web being treated.-With such an arrangement, therefore, no loss in the power of the vacuum takes place during subsequent treatment. Furthermore, the simplicity of the construction and op eration of the device, in accordance herewith, makes the arrangements herein highly advantageous commercially.

Accordingly, it is one object of this invention to provide a device for a vacuum extractor which is adjustable longitudinally for accommodating different widths of a web to be treated, while simultaneously providing effective sealing engagement with that portion of a vacuum extractor not adjacent the web to be treated. In addition, it is a further object of this invention to provide a sealing device for a vacuum extractor which is simple and inexpensive in construction, is easily operated, and which is impervious to the corrosive action of the type of environment involved in a vacuum extractor.

Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a sealing device as described herein, which is devoid of complicated structure which may be subject to failure, thus substantially avoiding the possibility of damage to an entire production run because of such failures.

With the foregoing and additional objects in view, this invention will now be described in more detail and other objects and advantages thereof will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Before describing this invention in more detail, it may be well to note that the flexible elastomeric ropelike material of this invention may be comprised of a variety of substances, such as polyurethane, for example, as well as polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene terpolymer, nylon, rubber, and neoprene.

As purely illustrative of apparatus which may be used for carrying out this invention, one may note the attached drawings in which a longitudinally extending vacuum extractor tube is shown having an opening therein for accommodating the adjustable sealing slot arrangement of this invention, as well as means for making such adjustments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofa vacuum extractor, and embodying aspects for carrying out this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 1, showing in detail the arrangement of an extractor tube in relation to a web being treated;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along lines 33 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, a vacuum extractor tube is shown supported on uprights l2 and 14 by brackets 18 and 16, respectively. Extractor tube 10 is connected through connector 30 to a vacuum source 28, which may be any well known source of vacuum, such as a vacuum pump, for example.

As further shown in FIG. 1, an extractor slot 20 is shown disposed in extractor tube 10 longitudinally thereof. Slot 20 is disposed in an extractor slot body 46 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which in turn is connected to extractor tube 10 by a plurality of bolts 48 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Longitudinally movable in slot 20 is a pair of rope-like flexible elastomeric sealing substances 21 and 22. Disposed at each end of extractor tube 10 is a pair of pulleys 24, 26 through and over which adjustable sealing ropes 21, 22, respectively, move. Connected to the internal end of flexible ropes 21 and 22 are markers 44 and 42, respectively, for indicating the extent of movement of flexible ropes 21 and 22 toward each other for providing an effective extraction opening of slot 20 for accommodating different widths of a web 36 moving vertically adjacent the effective extraction opening of extraction slot 20.

As can best be seen in FIG. 4, pulleys 24, 26 are movable by knobs 32, 34, respectively, which serve to move flexible ropes 21, 22 and their associated markers 44, 42 back and forth to adjust the effective extraction opening of slot 20. As can be seen further in FIG. 4, marker 44 (as well as marker 42) has an extension 60 which is movable in longitudinal bore 56 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of slot body 46 with marker 44 also having a portion 61 of reduced cross section for accommodating and frictionally engaging flexible rope 21. End wall 50 closes off the end of bore 62 and counter-bore 56 except for opening 51 for accommodating the passage of rope 21. A mirror image arrangement for flexible rope 22 (not shown) is provided at the opposite end of tube 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, extractor tube 10 has a cutaway portion 54 for accommodating extractor slot body 46, with body 46 being connected to 10 through a plurality of bolts 48.

Further, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the internal chamber 11 of extractor tube 10 has a longitudinal opening 52 for providing connection between chamber 11 of extractor tube 10 and longitudinal bore 56 in slot body 46. Slot body 46, in turn, is provided with longitudinally extended bore 62, which accommodates flexible ropes 21, 22. Bore 62, in turn, communicates with the extractor slot 20 adjacent which web 36 is movably disposed.

In operation, the operator first determines the width of the web 36 to be treated. Thereafter, before application of vacuum in extractor tube 10, the operator merely turns knobs 32 and 34 manually for moving the flexible ropes 21 and 22 toward each other until the distance between markers 42 and 44 is the same as the width of web to be treated. Thereafter vacuum pressure is applied and extractor tube 10 draws moisture through extractor slot 20 in that portion of the slot between the markers 42 and 44. Under the action of the vacuum, the flexible longitudinally adjustable ropes 21 and 22 move into sealing engagement with longitudinal bore 62 in extractor slot body 46 for effective sealing engagement, thus preventing leakage through those areas not adjacent the web 36 moving against extractor slot 20. When it becomes necessary to treat a different width of web 36, the operator turns off the source of vacuum and again adjusts the length of flexible ropes 21 and 22 in extractor slot 20, and again activates the source of vacuum.

Accordingly, as will be apparent from the foregoing, there is provided in accordance herewith, apparatus for extracting moisture from a moving web in a manner which accommodates readily diflerent widths of web to be treated, while simultaneously providing effective sealing engagement in those areas of the extractor not immediately adjacent the web to be treated. Furthermore, the arrangements, in accordance herewith, are extremely simple and inexpensive to construct and to operate, requiring no complicated adjustments or equipment and being substantially impervious to the corrosive and/or oxidative environment involved, thus making the arrangements herein highly advantageous from a commercial standpoint.

While the apparatus herein disclosed forms preferred embodiments of this invention, this invention is not limited to this specific apparatus, and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of this invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus for moisture extraction from a moving web and having an elongated extractor tube with a longitudinally extending extraction opening disposed therein, and a vacuum source connected to said tube, the combination which comprises a pair of flexible elongated elastomeric means movably disposed in said opening for defining the effective longitudinal extent of said opening, means for moving said pair of elastomeric means toward and away from each other to vary said effective opening in accordance with the width of web to be treated, said means for moving said pair of elastomeric means including two pairs of pulleys with one pair disposed at each end of said tube for frictionally engaging one of each pair of said elastomeric means therebetween, and a knob connected to one of said pulleys of each pair for manually operating said pulleys.

2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said pair of flexible elongated, elastomeric means are in the form of a pair of ropes of a combined length longer than said extractor opening.

3. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which also includes an elongated extractor slot body connected to said tube adjacent said opening; said extractor slot body having a longitudinally extending bore disposed therein for movably accommodating said pair of elongated elastomeric means therealong, an elongated counter-bore disposed therein providing flow communicafion between said tube and said bore, and an elongated slot adjacent said bore on the side thereof opposite said counter-bore.

4. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said elastomeric means is comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of flexible polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, nylon, rubber, and neoprene.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which a marker is disposed on each of the opposed ends of said pair of ropes for indicating the extent of said defined opening.

In apparatus for moisture extraction from a moving web and having an elongated extractor tube with a longitudinally extending extraction opening disposed therein, and a vacuum source; the combination which comprises an elongated extractor slot body connected to said tube adjacent said opening; said extractor slot body having a longitudinally extending bore disposed therein, an elongated counter-bore disposed therein providing flow communication between said tube and said bore, and elongated slot adjacent said bore on the side thereof opposite said counter-bore; a pair of flexible elongated elastomeric means movably disposed in said bore for defining the efiective longitudinal extent of said slot; means for moving said pair of elastomeric means toward and away from each other to vary said efiective opening in accordance with the width of a web to be treated, said means for moving said pair of elastomeric means including two pairs of pulleys with one pair disposed at each end of said tube for frictionally engaging one of each pair of said elastomeric means therebetween; and a knob connected to one of said pulleys of each pair for manually operating said pulleys.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which said pair of flexible elongated, elastomeric means are in the form of a pair of ropes of a combined length longer than said extractor opening.

8. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which said elastomeric means is comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of flexible polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, nylon, rubber, and neoprene.

9. Apparatus as recited in claim 7, in which a marker is disposed on each of the opposed ends of said pair of ropes for indicating the extent of said defined opening. 6 

1. In apparatus for moisture extraction from a moving web and having an elongated extractor tube with a longitudinally extending extraction opening disposed therein, and a vacuum source connected to said tube, the combination which comprises a pair of flexible elongated elastomeric means movably disposed in said opening for defining the effective longitudinal extent of said opening, means for moving said pair of elastomeric means toward and away from each other to vary said effective opening in accordance with the width of web to be treated, said means for moving said pair of elastomeric means including two pairs of pulleys with one pair disposed at each end of said tube for frictionally engaging one of each pair of said elastomeric means therebetween, and a knob connected to one of said pulleys of each pair for manually operating said pulleys.
 2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said pair of flexible elongated, elastomeric means are in the form of a pair of ropes of a combined length longer than said extractor opening.
 3. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which also includes an elongated extractor slot body connected to said tube adjacent said opening; said extractor slot body having a longitudinally extending bore disposed therein for movably accommodating said pair of elongated elastomeric means therealong, an elongated counter-bore disposed therein providing flow communication between said tube and said bore, and an elongated slot adjacent said bore on the side thereof opposite said counter-bore.
 4. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, in which said elastomeric means is comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of flexible polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, nylon, rubber, and neoprene.
 5. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, in which a marker is disposed on each of the opposed ends of said pair of ropes for indicating the extent of said defined opening.
 6. In apparatus for moisture extraction from a moving web and having an elongated extractor tube with a longitudinally extending extraction opening disposed therein, and a vacuum source; the combination which comprises an elongated extractor slot body connected to said tube adjacent said opening; said extractor slot body having a longitudinally extending bore disposed therein, an elongated counter-bore disposed therein providing flow communication between said tube and said bore, and elongated slot adjacent said bore on the side thereof opposite said counter-bore; a pair of flexible elongated elastomeric means movably disposed in said bore for defining the effective longitudinal extent of said slot; means for moving said pair of elastomeric means toward and away from each other to vary said effective opening in accordance with the width of a web to be treated, said means for moving said pair of elastomeric means including two pairs of pulleys with one pair disposed at each end of said tube for fRictionally engaging one of each pair of said elastomeric means therebetween; and a knob connected to one of said pulleys of each pair for manually operating said pulleys.
 7. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which said pair of flexible elongated, elastomeric means are in the form of a pair of ropes of a combined length longer than said extractor opening.
 8. Apparatus as recited in claim 6, in which said elastomeric means is comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of flexible polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer, nylon, rubber, and neoprene.
 9. Apparatus as recited in claim 7, in which a marker is disposed on each of the opposed ends of said pair of ropes for indicating the extent of said defined opening. 